The Bottom LineApple bundles its Wireless Keyboard with every new iMac because it matches the computer's strengths in terms of minimal design and simple functionality. While some may bemoan its lack of extra features, the Apple Wireless Keyboard does the job and looks good doing it.

8.0 Overall

Design8.0

Features8.0

Performance8.0

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Apple gives its keyboards a different aesthetic with each new generation it releases, and its latest Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard pushes the peripheral to the limits of space-saving design. This time, Apple discards the numeral keypad and gives it a much thinner profile than that of the previous full-size model. Whereas the last generation required three batteries to power it, the Wireless Keyboard only uses two batteries and improves on power conservation with a unique auto off and on feature that saves batteries over time. Apple bundles the $69 keyboard with every new iMac desktop computer, but it also is a handy iPad companion for typing longer documents on the run. For its affordability, clever design, and sheer good looks, we recommend the Apple Wireless Keyboard to anyone shopping for a Mac-friendly keyboard.

The base of the Apple Wireless Keyboard is built from a solid cut of aluminum and bears a purposeful similarity to the MacBook Pro's unibody aluminum enclosure, with the exception of white keys instead of black. The new low-profile design not only looks clean cut, but it also reduces the amount of gunk and dust that tends to accumulate over time with standard keys. The key layout is also identical to that of the MacBook Pro's, and the top line of F-keys includes secondary shortcuts for audio, track advancement, dimming, and two one-touch launch buttons for Expose and Dashboard.

This model is also the first Apple keyboard to omit the numerical keypad, reducing the overall dimensions to 12.8-inches long by 7.3-inches wide by just 1.4-inches high. Apple's guess seems to be that most users don't typically input enough numbers on a daily basis to warrant a separate space, and we're inclined to agree. Reducing the length also means a shorter distance for your right hand to travel between the keyboard and an accompanying mouse pad, or most recently, Apple's Magic Trackpad that fits right next to the keyboard with seamless precision.

The scissor-switch style mechanisms beneath each of the keys allow for a shallow throw action (vertical travel distance) so using the Wireless Keyboard feels more like typing on a laptop, which can take some time for you to get up to speed if you're used to the standard desktop keyboard. On the other hand, if your preference leans more toward clicky, sculpted keys, Matias offers a viable alternative with the mechanical switch TactilePro 3.0 that earned our favor, but at more than twice the price.

The back of the keyboard is brushed in Apple's classic glossy white finish, with a cylindrical bar that operates as a compartment for the two included AA batteries. The round tube places your hands at a fixed angle with no mechanism for adjustment, although we felt no discomfort even after using the keyboard as our primary input device for a full day of typing. Additionally, two small rubber strips on both sides and a thicker rubber bar in the middle of the battery compartment keep the keyboard from moving around your work space.

Justin Yu covers headphones and peripherals for CNET. When he's not wading through Web gulch or challenging colleagues to typing tests, you can find him making fun of technology with Jeff Bakalar every afternoon on The 404 show.
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